The Use of a Canine GnRH Vaccine For Behavior Modification in Cats

Introduction

It is estimated that four to five million cats enter U.S. shelters each year, and more than half of these animals are euthanized because there are not enough homes for them or because of behavioral reasons that result in relinquishment. Inappropriate elimination and aggression towards other cats in the household are two reasons given for relinquishment. We hypothesized that persistently elevated luteinizing hormone (LH) concentrations after gonadectomy are responsible for these behaviors. The objective of this study was to determine the safety and efficacy of a canine gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) vaccine for the purposes of LH suppression and behavior modification. [...]